USC Schedule of Classes

Animation (CTAN)

• http://anim.usc.edu
• Fall and spring semester D class assignments are available in the Animation and Digital Arts Office in SCB210D; phone (213) 740-3986. Your D clearance will only be effective until its expiration date and all elective courses will change from 'D' to 'R' after the end of early registration. For summer classes, contact the Summer Program Office in SCA250, phone (213) 740-3327. YOU MUST ATTEND THE FIRST SESSION of each course or you may be replaced by a student on the waiting list, even if you are registered. Fall and spring semester D class assignments are available in the Animation and Digital Arts Office in SCB210D; phone (213) 740-3986. Your D clearance will only be effective until its expiration date and all elective courses will change from 'D' to 'R' after the end of early registration. For summer classes, contact the Summer Program Office in SCA250, phone (213) 740-3327. YOU MUST ATTEND THE FIRST SESSION of each course or you may be replaced by a student on the waiting list, even if you are registered.

CTAN 101: Introduction to the Art of Animation (2.0 units)

Theory and practice of graphic imagery in all its ramifications with emphasis on self exploration. Open to freshman animation majors only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Freshmen
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17851D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	16 of 16	Marcel Valcarce,	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Thursday		Michael Patterson	SCB207

CTAN 201: Introduction to Animation Techniques (3.0 units)

Theory and practice of analog frame by frame time based media. Exploration and examination of ideas generated in the creation of animated media. Open to sophomore animation majors only.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 102
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Sophomore
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17855D	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	19 of 19	Tom Sito	SCB205

CTAN 301: Introduction to Digital Animation (3.0 units)

The fundamental principles of working in 2-D digital software with an emphasis on animation, story, sound, timing and execution. Open to junior animation majors only.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 202
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Junior
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17870D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	13 of 13	Jones Angie	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Monday			SCB102

CTAN 305: Professionalism of Animation (2.0 units)

Understanding the business of the animation industry. Developing presentation skills for interviewing and pitching, preparing personal marketing tools, researching employment opportunities, and practicing networking techniques.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17872D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	9 of 11	Janet Nagel	SCB207	PDF (285229 KB)

CTAN 330: Animation Fundamentals (2.0 units)

An introduction to the fundamentals of animation, covering such topics as timing, anticipation, reaction, overlapping action, and metamorphosis.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17854R	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	16 of 16	Laura Yilmaz	SCB205

CTAN 401a: Senior Project (4.0 units)

a: Understanding the requirements and relationships between theory and practice regarding the complexity of an animated film in idea and execution. Open to senior animation majors only.

• Prerequisite: (CTAN 302 and CTAN 336)
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Senior
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17873D	001	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Tuesday	20 of 20	Sheila Sofian,Trixy Wattenbarger, Angie Jones	SCB207

CTAN 420: Concept Design for Animation (2.0 units)

Creating characters and environments for animation, live action, and video games.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17917R	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	13 of 15	Mahoney John	SCB207

CTAN 435: Story Art Development (2.0 units)

Using basic storyboarding techniques to develop a sense of character, plot, and continuity. Technical aspects of developing ideas into films.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17912D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Wednesday	11 of 15	Sheila Sofian	SCB205

CTAN 436: Writing for Animation (2.0 units)

Workshop exploring concept and structure of long and short form animated films through practical writing exercises.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17862R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Thursday	14 of 15	Brauer Elizabeth	SCB304
17865R	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Monday	15 of 15	Brauer Elizabeth	SCB304

CTAN 443L: Character Development for 3-D Animation and Games (2.0 units)

Development, modeling, and animation with an emphasis on character setup features: rigging, skeletons, deformers, and scripting. Applying principles of traditional animation to 3-D character rig/puppet.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 452

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17864R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	9 of 15	Maks Naporowski	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			SCA356

CTAN 448: Introduction to Film Graphics - Animation (4.0 units)

An introduction to methods for creating analog animation through experimentation with imagery, concepts and materials. Emphasis on basic timing principles and hands-on techniques.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17868R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Friday	15 of 15	Trixy Wattenbarger	SCB205

CTAN 450a: Animation Theory and Techniques (2.0 units)

Methods for creating animation blending traditional techniques with contemporary technologies.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17874R	001	Lecture-Lab	9:00-10:50am	Wednesday	15 of 15	Shelly Wattenbarger	SCA356
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			SCB102

CTAN 450b: Animation Theory and Techniques (2.0 units)

Instruction in methods for planning and executing a short animated film. Topics covered include storyboarding, visual development and production planning.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 450A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17880R	001	Lecture	5:00-6:50pm	Wednesday	7 of 14	Angie Jones	SCB102

CTAN 451: History of Animation (2.0 units)

In depth survey of historical developments, styles, techniques, theory and criticism of animation as an art form.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17888R	001	Lecture	9:30-12:20pm	Friday	80 of 130	Christine Panushka	SCA108

CTAN 452: Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (2.0 units, max 4)

Lecture and laboratory in computer animation: geometric modeling, motion specification, lighting, texture mapping, rendering, compositing, production techniques, systems for computer-synthesized animation.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17892R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	15 of 15	Dariush Derakhshani	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			SCB102
17893R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-10:00pm	Monday	15 of 15	Maks Naporowski	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			SCB102
17894R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	15 of 15	Maks Naporowski	SCB102
			7:00-10:00pm	Monday			RZC117

CTAN 455L: Organic Modeling for Animation (2.0 units)

The art of digital sculpting for animated characters, with visual effects integration. Recommended preparation: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17897R	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Thursday	12 of 15	Mahoney John,	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday		Marcel Valcarce	SCA356

CTAN 462: Visual Effects (2.0 units)

Survey of contemporary concepts and approaches to production in the current state of film and video effects work. Digital and traditional methodologies will be covered, with a concentration on digital exercises illustrating modern techniques.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17901R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Wednesday	13 of 14	Darren Kiner	RZC117	Word (71168 KB)
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			RZC117
17898R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	12 of 14	Kiner Darren	RZC117	Word (68608 KB)
			10:00-12:50pm	Friday			RZC117

CTAN 464L: Digital Lighting and Rendering (2.0 units)

Concepts, tools and techniques used to create cinematic lighting and rendering in computer-generated imagery (CGI).

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 452 or CTAN 462)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17909R	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 15	Frederic Durand	RZC117
			4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday			RZC117

CTAN 496: Directed Studies (2.0 units)

Individual research under faculty guidance.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17908D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 12	Kathy Smith	OFFICE

CTAN 522: Animation Department Seminar (1.0 units, max 6)

A weekly seminar required of all MFA Animation students. This course includes guest speakers, faculty and student presentations followed by lively and critical discussion. Graded CR/NC.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17928D	037	Lecture	6:00-8:50pm	Wednesday	46 of 60	Christine Panushka	SCI108

CTAN 544: Introduction to the Art of Animation (3.0 units)

Fundamentals of film, video and computer animation production. Orientation to assist students on determining future emphases and specialities. Open only to Animation and Digital Arts master students.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17936D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-12:50pm	Tuesday	15 of 15	Elisabeth Mann,	SCB205
			4:00-6:50pm	Friday		Larissa Bank	SCB202

CTAN 550: Stop Motion Puppet and Set Design (2.0 units)

Puppet and set design for stop motion animation while providing guidance on armature rigs that allow the character to be animated effectively.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17952R	037	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	12 of 14	Brooker Musa	SCB207

CTAN 555: Animation Design and Production (4.0 units)

Exploring creative strategies to designing form and content. Developing style and investigating multiple techniques, including live action and sound. Production of a 30-60 second work.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 547
• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17955D	037	Lecture	9:30-12:20pm	Tue, Thu	15 of 15	Michael Patterson, Candace Reckinger	RZC117

CTAN 564L: Motion Capture Fundamentals (2.0 units)

Fundamental principles of motion capture technology explored while working through a structured series of assignments based around performance, gesture and motion.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 452 or CTAN 462)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17997R	037	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Friday	9 of 15	John Brennan	RZC117
			4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday			RZC117

CTAN 565L: Motion Capture Performance (2.0 units)

The art of directing, acting, and creating story for motion capture will be explored while learning the technology behind bringing virtual actors to life.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 564

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17998R	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-12:50pm	Monday	Canceled
			7:00-9:50pm	Thursday

CTAN 577a: Fundamentals of Animation (2.0 units)

The exploration of the techniques of the art of character animation with an emphasis on discipline, performance and personality observation, specializing in classical Hollywood animation. Open only to Animation and Digital Arts master students.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17954D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Thursday	15 of 15	Tom Sito	SCB205

CTAN 579: Expanded Animation (2.0 units)

Incorporation of traditional image making methods as well as digital and new media technologies to convey non-linear narratives over internal and external landscapes.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17964D	037	Lecture	9:00-11:50am	Monday	16 of 16	Kathy Smith	SCA356
			9:00-11:50am	Wednesday			SCB102

CTAN 592: Master Class (2.0-6.0 units, max 12)

A special projects course in which students produce a major work through weekly meetings with a master artist/animator. Topics must be approved prior to enrollment. Recommended preparation: Previous advanced animation production experience. Recommended preparation: Previous advanced animation production experience.

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17970D	037	2.0	Lecture	9:30-11:50am	Monday	7 of 12	Elisabeth Mann	SCB205
17971R	037	2.0	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	12 of 16	Gilbert Zimmerman	SCB205	PDF (94171 KB)

CTAN 593: Directed Studies in Animation (2.0 units, max 4)

Individual exploration in the areas of contemporary technology, animation techniques or experimental film through internships, residencies or directed studies. Open only to Animation and Digital Arts master students.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17982D	037	Lecture	TBA	TBA	5 of 10	Kathy Smith	OFFICE

CTAN 594a: Master's Thesis (2.0 units)

Credit on acceptance of Thesis.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17983D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	15 of 15	Sheila Sofian,Christine Panushka,Elisabeth Mann, Michael Patterson, David Fain, Candace Reckinger,Kathy Smith,Angie Jones	SCB207